Alzheimer’s Detection

The aim of BSF’s Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) study is to test the feasibility of a multi-modal Body Sensor Network (mBSN) system to detect early biomarkers of AD. Although it is the most common form of dementia, the major problem is that half of the individuals satisfying the dementia diagnostic criteria have never received a diagnosis. Currently, only a probable clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is possible. Specific biomarkers would enable a more well defined diagnosis,and early detection of AD before the full onset of symptoms. Biomarker research also gives insight into the mechanisms and the progression of the disease as well.

BSF is working with our European partners to conduct a feasibility study to develop the mBSN technology and detection algorithm. The mBSN technology has a voice and movement sensor and relies on a computational algorithm called the Mood State Indicator (MSI) that can identify biomarkers such as depression, uncertainty, and temporal delays based on speech. The study measures Activities of Daily Living (ADL) with wearable voice and movement sensors to test the effectiveness of biomarker detection.